Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| pointu | /pwɛ̃.ty/ |
| affilé | /a.fi.le/ |
| coupant | /ku.pɑ̃/ |
| tranchant | /tʁɑ̃.ʃɑ̃/ |
| acéré | /a.se.ʁe/ |
| effilé | |
| aigu | /ɛ.ɡy/ /e.ɡy/ |
French uses different words for 'sharp' depending on whether you are describing a cutting edge, a physical point, a sound or a mental capacity. For a cutting edge that is capable of slicing, you might use tranchant, coupant or acéré. For a blade that is exceptionally sharp, like a razor, affilé is used. Related terms include pile, which means 'exactly' and diéser, which means 'to raise the pitch'.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the specific type of sharpness. Pointu refers to something that is 'pointed' or 'tapered' at the tip, whereas tranchant describes the sharpness of a cutting edge. Aigu is used for 'sharp' in the context of acute angles or high-pitched sounds rather than a physical blade. Affilé is used specifically for a blade that is remarkably sharp, similar to 'razor-sharp' in English.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form aiguisé is the past participle of the verb aiguiser (to sharpen) and is frequently used as an adjective to mean 'sharpened' or 'keen'.
How do you pronounce it?
2 syllables: /pwɛ̃.ty/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use pointu to mean a 'sharp' cutting edge. pointu specifically means 'pointed' or 'tapered' at the tip.
Did you know?
- The French word acéré is a direct relative of the English word 'acerbic', which is used to describe a sharp or biting way of speaking.
- In music, a 'sharp' is not described with an adjective like 'sharp' in English, but is a noun: dièse.
- In French, the word aigu describes both an 'acute' angle in geometry and a high-pitched sound in music.
Examples in context
- Il a un esprit aiguisé.He has a sharp mind.This sentence shows how to use aigu to describe a sharp mind.Tatoeba #8453526 by Aiji, translation #3876882 by AlanF_US
- J'ai un couteau aiguisé.I have a sharp knife.This sentence uses aigu to describe a sharp knife.Tatoeba #6461311 by Aiji, translation #681309 by Source_VOA
- Mon couteau est aiguisé.My knife is sharp.Tatoeba #6463375 by Aiji, translation #2549030 by CK
- Sa lame est extrêmement affûtée.Its blade is extremely sharp.
- Fais attention, cette scie est très tranchante.Be careful, this saw is very sharp.
- Le cri du bébé était aigu.The baby's cry was sharp.
- Ce plat est incroyablement piquant.This dish is incredibly spicy.
- Cette aiguille est très pointue.This needle is very sharp.
- Attention à cette feuille, elle est coupante.Be careful with this sheet, it's sharp.
- Ses remarques sont toujours mordantes.His/her remarks are always biting.
- 43 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are preparing vegetables in the kitchen.
- ChloéFais attention, ce couteau est très pointu.Be careful, this knife is very sharp.
- LucasMerci, je vais couper les carottes doucement.Thanks, I will cut the carrots slowly.
- ChloéC'est mieux qu'un couteau pas assez pointu.It is better than a knife that isn't sharp enough.
- LucasJe suis d'accord, c'est plus facile ainsi.I agree, it is easier this way.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sharp” translations and entries pointu, affilé, coupant, tranchant, acéré, effilé, aigu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
